Young ghost fungi can appear remarkably similar to edible oyster (Pleurotus) mushrooms, but be warned, ghost fungi are toxic. This adaptable fungus obtains its tucker as both a weak parasite of some tree species and as a saprobe, which means it gets nutrition from breaking down organic matter such as wood. On the underside, the lamellae (radiating plates that contain the spores) are white to cream coloured and extend down the stipe (stem). The large funnel-shaped mushrooms (the reproductive part of the fungus) are variable in form and colour, but are mostly white to cream coloured with various shades of brown, yellow, green, grey, purple and black, usually around the centre of the cap. They often appear in large overlapping clusters around the bases of a variety of trees, commonly Eucalyptus, but also Acacia, Hakea, Melaleuca, Casuarina and other tree genera as well as understorey species. Ghost fungi have been widely recorded across Australia, especially in the forests of the south-eastern seaboard. To experience ghost fungi at their most spectacular you need to allow your eyes time to adjust to the darkness, and don’t use a torch. The light from the ghost fungus is often subtle and usually requires quite dark conditions to see. As a result of this chemical reaction, energy is released as a greenish light. In the presence of oxygen, luciferin is oxidised by an enzyme called luciferase. The ghost fungus contains a light-emitting substance called luciferin (lucifer meaning light-bringing). This seemingly inexplicable glowing trait gave rise to rich and colourful folk histories. In California, miners believed them to mark the spot where a miner had died. Similarly in Micronesia, some people destroyed luminous fungi believing them to be an evil omen, while others used them in body decoration, especially for intimidating enemies. The glowing gills were observed last night and can still be seen, if one allows one’s eyes to adjust to the darkness.Ghost fungi often grow en masse in large overlapping clusters around the bases of both living and dead trees. Lisa collected these specimens near Wind Rock, although clusters have been known to appear at the base of the dead oak in front of Lewis or the live one in front of Rafinesque. These mushrooms can be found growing on dead hardwoods (mainly oaks), and are numerous in both forests and developed areas-wherever they have access to their preferred substrate. illudens, while those found on the west coast would be O. Those in favor of the distinction classify the fungi found on the east coast as O. olearius is a European species which some argue is distinct from jack-o-lantern mushrooms found in the New World. Like many fungi, Omphalotus olearius is the subject of a taxonomic dispute. Jack-o-lantern mushrooms contain the toxin muscarine, which, although not deadly in humans, causes severe cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain for several days.

For those interested in collecting mushrooms to eat, these features can be the only difference between a prized edible and a trip to the hospital. Secondly, chanterelles have false gills (folds on the underside of the cap not structurally distinct from the flesh of the cap itself) whereas jack-o-lantern mushrooms have true gills (structures truly separate from each other and from the flesh of the cap). Firstly, chanterelles rarely grow in dense clusters, and never directly on rotting wood. There are two primary ways to distinguish the species. However, the substrate can sometimes be concealed under the leaf litter, giving the impression that it is growing directly out of the ground like its edible look-a-like, the chanterelle. Jack-o-lantern mushrooms are fleshy, bright orange mushrooms found growing in dense clusters on rotting wood, dead trees, and stumps. Luciferases are a class of oxidative enzymes which derives its name from ‘Lucifer,’ literally meaning ‘light-bearer.’ They are the same type of compound present in fireflies, certain bioluminescent bacteria, and some copepod species, among others. It is thought that they are transferred to the gills as a method of waste disposal-when the mushroom dies and decays, the luciferases will be lost to the fungus as well. The gills contain compounds called luciferases, which are waste products or secondary metabolites produced by the mushroom’s underground structure. These mushrooms are named not only for their bright orange, pumpkin-like color, but also for their bioluminescent properties. Unlike the earlier article on the swamp beacon fungi, there can be no question as to whether the jack-o-lantern mushroom fully merits its name.

Omphalotus mushroom